Progressive pressing device and manufacturing apparatus for fuel cell separators

ABSTRACT

In a progressive pressing device, a first state of a lifting part is a state not sandwiching an elongated metal plate between a lifting plate and an upper plate in a state in which a positioning pin and a positioning hole are not engaged, a second state is a state not sandwiching an elongated metal plate between a lifting plate and an upper plate in a state in which a positioning pin and a positioning hole are engaged, and a third state is a state sandwiching an elongated metal plate between a lifting plate and an upper plate in a state in which a positioning pin and a positioning hole are engaged.

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application 2020-063536, filed on 31 Mar. 2020, thecontent of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a progressive pressing device and amanufacturing apparatus for fuel cell separators.

Related Art

Conventionally, a progressive pressing device which molds a plurality ofproduct parts in an elongated metal plate has been known. For example,Patent Document 1 discloses a progressive pressing device which moldsthe shape of a fuel cell separator in a raw material metal plate ofelongated shape.

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application,    Publication No. 2014-78336

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Since the raw material metal plate of the fuel cell separator is thin,vibration, deflection, etc. occur in the raw material metal plate.Consequently, it has been difficult to improve the productivity. PatentDocument 1 shows lifting up the elongated raw material metal plate uponconveying. However, it is difficult to smoothly and appropriatelyperform conveying of the elongated metal plate and a pressing process onthe elongated metal plate by simply lifting up.

The present invention has been made taking account of the above, and anobject thereof is to provide a progressive pressing method which cansmoothly and appropriately execute conveying of the elongated metalplate and press molding on the elongated metal plate.

A progressive pressing device (for example, the progressive pressingdevice 1) according to a first aspect of the present invention is aprogressive pressing device which molds a plurality of product parts inan elongated metal plate (for example, the elongated metal plate 100),and includes: a pressing part (for example, the pressing part 4) whichpresses the elongated metal plate; a conveying part (for example, theconveying part 2) which conveys the elongated metal plate in alongitudinal direction thereof; a positioning pin (for example, thepositioning pin 350) which engages with a positioning hole (for example,the positioning hole 109) provided in the elongated metal plate; and alifting part (for example, the lifting part 3) which lifts the elongatedmetal plate conveyed by the conveying part, in which the lifting partincludes: a lifting plate (for example, the lifting plate 320) on whichthe elongated metal plate is place; and an upper plate (for example, theupper plate 330) which sandwiches the elongated metal plate with thelifting plate, in which the lifting part is configured to be statevariable between a first state (for example, the first state A), asecond state (for example, the second state B) and a third state (forexample, the third state C), in which the first state is a stateseparating a distance between the lifting plate and the upper plate soas not to sandwich the elongated metal plate between the lifting plateand the upper plate, in a state in which the position pin and thepositioning hole are not engaged; the second state is a state separatinga distance between the lifting plate and the upper plate so as not tosandwich the elongated metal plate between the lifting plate and theupper plate, in a state in which the position pin and the positioninghole are engaged; the third state is a state shortening a distancebetween the lifting plate and the upper plate so as to sandwich theelongated metal plate between the lifting plate and the upper plate, ina state in which the position pin and the positioning hole are engaged;in which the lifting part is configured so as to transition from thefirst state to the third state after passing through the second state,the conveying part conveys the elongated metal plate when the liftingpart is the first state, and the pressing part performs pressing of theelongated metal plate, when the lifting part is the third state. It isthereby possible to provide a progressive pressing method which cansmoothly and appropriately execute conveying of the elongated metalplate and a pressing process on the elongated metal plate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the conveyingpart of the progressive pressing device as described in the first aspectmay have a feeder which feeds the elongated metal plate, in which thefeeder is configured to be state variable between a feed preparationstate in which free movement of the elongated metal plate is restricted,and a release state in which the elongated metal plate has freemovement, in addition to a feed state for feeding the elongated metalplate, and the conveying part stops conveying by the feeder, andestablishes the feeder in a release state and establishes the liftingpart in the second state. Since it is thereby possible to engage thepositioning pin and positioning hole without tension acting on theelongated metal plate in the second state, high precision positioningcan be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the progressivepressing device as described in the first or second aspect may furtherinclude: at least two lifting pins (for example, the lifting pin 310)having a leading end (for example, the leading end 311) which is abuttedby the upper plate, and a stepped part (for example, the stepped part310) on which the lifting plate is placed; and a first elastic body (forexample, the first elastic body 313) which biases the lifting pinupwards, in which the first state includes a state in which the upperplate abuts the leading end of the lifting pin, in which the secondstate includes a state in which the upper plate pushes down the liftingpin against biasing force of the first elastic body, which is a state inwhich the lifting plate descends while maintaining a state placed on thestepped part of the lifting pin, and in which the third state includes astate in which the upper plate pushes down the lifting pin againstbiasing force of the first elastic body, and the stepped part of thelifting pin is separated from the lifting plate. By such a mechanism, itis possible to provide a progressive pressing method which can smoothlyand appropriately execute conveying of the elongated metal plate and apressing process on the elongated metal plate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the progressivepressing device as described in the third aspect may further have asecond elastic body (for example, the second elastic body 321) whichbiases the lifting plate upwards, in which the biasing force upwards ofthe second elastic body is larger than the biasing force upwards of thefirst elastic body. It is thereby possible to configuration themechanism of a lifting part which performs appropriate operation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the progressivepressing device as described in the fourth aspect, the third state mayhave a state (for example, the state C1) in which the upper plate pushesdown the lifting pin against only the biasing force of the first elasticbody, and a state (for example, the state C2) of bottom dead center inwhich the upper plate pushes down the lifting pin and the lifting plateagainst the biasing force of the first elastic body and the biasingforce of the second elastic body, and the pressing part may press theelongated metal plate when in the state of bottom dead center. It isthereby possible to perform a pressing process in a state with verylittle deflection of the elongated metal plate.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the at leastlifting pins of the progressive pressing device as described in any oneof the third to fifth aspects may be provided to both sides in a shortdirection of the elongated metal plate. It is thereby possible toperform a pressing process in a state reliably positioning and retainingthe elongated metal plate. Consequently, it is possible to perform apressing process in a state with very little deflection of the elongatedmetal plate.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the liftingplate and the upper plate of the progressive pressing device asdescribed in any one of the first to sixth aspects may be provided so asto traverse a short direction of the elongated metal plate. It isthereby possible to perform a pressing process in a state reliablypositioning and retaining the elongated metal plate. Consequently, it ispossible to perform a pressing process in a state with very littledeflection of the elongated metal plate.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the liftingplate and the upper plate of the progressive pressing device asdescribed in any one of the first to sixth aspects may be formed in ashape such that portions sandwiching the elongated metal plate surrounda region which becomes a product part (for example, the region 190 whichbecomes the product part) of the elongated metal plate. It is therebypossible to perform a pressing process in a state reliably positioningand retaining the elongated metal plate. Consequently, it is possible toperform a pressing process in a state with very little deflection of theelongated metal plate.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the upper plate ofthe progressive pressing device as described in any one of the first toeighth aspects may be integral or formed integrally with an upper moldof the pressing part. It is thereby possible to reduce the number ofcomponents. In addition, operation control of a device for operatingtogether with the operation of a pressing part also becomes easy.

A manufacturing apparatus for fuel cell separators (for example, themanufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cell separators) according to a tenthaspect of the present invention includes the progressive pressing deviceas described in any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which theregion which becomes the product part is a region which becomes a fuelcell separator (for example, the fuel cell separator 500). Also in thecase of manufacturing the fuel cell separator, it is possible to providea progressive pressing method that smoothly and appropriately performsconveying of the elongated metal plate and a pressing process on theelongated metal plate.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide aprogressive pressing method which can smoothly and appropriately executeconveying of the elongated metal plate and press molding on theelongated metal plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing a fuel cell separator manufactured by aprogressive pressing device of an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing a progressive pressing device ofthe present embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view showing an elongated metal plate from which a pluralityof separator shaped parts is formed by pressing with the progressivepressing device;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by each pressing parton one product part;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a bead and slit forming step of the presentembodiment;

FIG. 6A shows a state of an elongated metal plate molded by a first beadmolding step;

FIG. 6B is a view showing a state of an elongated metal plate molded bya second bead molding step;

FIG. 6C is a view showing a state of an elongated metal plate molded bya third molding step;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line E-E in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part F in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a pressing step of the present embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a view showing the cross-sectional shape after a firstpressing step, in a region which becomes a seal part of the separator;

FIG. 11 is a view showing the cross-sectional shape after the secondpressing step, in a region which becomes the seal part of the separator;

FIG. 1.2 is a view showing a comparative example, and shows across-sectional shape of a portion thereof, in a case of forming theshape of the final seal part by only one pressing step;

FIG. 13A is a view showing a first gas flow channel shape after thefirst pressing step;

FIG. 13B is a view showing a second gas flow channel shape after thesecond pressing step;

FIG. 13C is a view showing a second gas flow channel shape after thesecond pressing step;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a piercing process of the present embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a trimming and discharging step of the presentembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an elongated metal plate conveyed by aconveying part;

FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of trimming anddischarging step;

FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of trimming anddischarging step;

FIG. 17C is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of trimming anddischarging step;

FIG. 17D is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of trimming anddischarging step;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram when providing a hook part to an uppermold of a trimming part;

FIG. 19A is a view schematically showing a trimming process;

FIG. 19B is a view schematically showing a trimming step, which is acomparative example;

FIG. 20A is a view when assembling the separator and a gasket;

FIG. 20B is a view when assembling the separator and a gasket, which isa comparative example;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a lifting part arranged at a first piercingpart; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of alifting part and operating contents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be explainedwhile referencing the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view showing a fuel cellseparator 500 manufactured by the progressive pressing device 1 of thepresent embodiment (manufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cell separators).

A power generation cell constituting the fuel cell is configured by amembrane electrode assembly being sandwiched by a pair of separators.Herein, an outline of the configuration of a separator will be explainedusing one separator 500 among the pair of separators.

The separator 500 has: a gas flow channel part 510 in which oxidant gasor fuel gas flows; a seal part 520 of convex shape for sealing the gasflow channel part 510 and a communication hole, which is pushed whensuperimposed with another separator to make a pair; a gas communicationhole 530 through which oxidant gas or fuel gas passes; and a coolantcommunication hole 540 through which coolant passes. The gascommunication hole 530 has a first gas communication hole 531 and asecond gas communication hole 532, the first gas communication hole 531having one gas among the oxidant gas or fuel gas pass therethrough, andthe second gas communication hole 532 having the other gas among theoxidant gas or fuel gas pass therethrough. The first gas communicationhole 531, second gas communication hole 532, and coolant communicationhole 540 are generally called communication holes. It should be notedthat the seal part may be provided to both or either one of the gas flowchannel part or communication holes, so as to seal another portionthereof.

The separator 500 is configured from a metal plate such as a steelplate, stainless steel plate, aluminum steel plate, or titanium steelplate. Preferably, a stainless steel plate is used. The thickness of themetal plate constituting the separator 500 is thin, and is on the orderof 0.1 mm, for example.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the progressive pressing device 1of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view showing an elongated metalplate 100 of a stage at which a plurality of separator shaped parts 600are formed as product parts by being pressed by the progressive pressingdevice 1 of the present embodiment. The progressive pressing device 1 ofthe present embodiment is a device for forming a separator shaped part600 which is a shaped part of the fuel cell separator 500 in theelongated metal plate 100, and constitutes a fuel cell separatormanufacturing apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the progressive pressing device 1 (fuel cellseparator manufacturing apparatus 1) includes: a conveying part 2, alifting part 3 (omitted from illustration in FIG. 2), plurality ofpressing parts 4, and a control part 5. The control part 5 controls theconveying part 2, lifting part 3, and plurality of pressing part 4.

The progressive pressing device 1 is a device which conveys elongatedmetal plates 100 by a first predetermined distance L1 (predeterminedfeed amount) by the conveying part 2, and performs a pressing process bya plurality of the pressing parts 4 arranged at intervals of the firstpredetermined distance L1. The elongated metal plate 100 is conveyed bya predetermined feed amount by the conveying part 2, the plurality ofpressing parts 4 perform the pressing process at the same timing. Byalternately and repeatedly performing conveying of the firstpredetermined distance 1 l by the conveying part 2 and the pressingprocess by the plurality of pressing parts 4, the product part is formedin the elongated metal plate 100. As approaching the downstream side inthe conveying direction D, the portion formed in the elongated metalplate 100 comes closer to the shape of the separator shaped part 600 asthe completed product part.

The conveying part 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 by thepredetermined feed amount in the longitudinal direction thereof. In thepresent embodiment, the predetermined feed amount is the firstpredetermined distance L1. Herein, the elongated metal plate 100conveyed by the conveying part 2 is a metal plate which is the materialof the separator 500, and is an elongated metal plate having a thicknesson the order of 0.1 mm, and a width (distance in the short direction) onthe order of 500 mm.

The conveying part 2 includes: an uncoiler 210, anti-deflection part220, feeder 230, and discharging part 240.

The uncoiler 210 retains the elongated metal plate 100 in a coiled stateto be withdrawable. The anti-deflection part 220 includes a pair ofstraightening rollers 221, and straightens deflection of the elongatedmetal plate 100. The feeder 230 includes a pair of feed rollers 231, andfeeds the elongated metal plate 100 in a conveying direction D, by thispair of feed rollers 231 rotating. The discharging part 240 conveys theseparator shaped part 600 (product part) cut loose from the elongatedmetal plate 100. Details of the discharging part 240 will be explainedlater.

The lifting part 3 is a mechanism for lifting up and lowering down theelongated metal plate 100 for making the conveyance of the elongatedmetal plate 100 and pressing process on the elongated metal plate 100 assmooth and appropriate. The configuration of the lifting part 3 anddetails of the operating contents will be explained later.

In order from the upstream side towards the downstream side in theconveying direction, the plurality of pressing parts 4 includes: a beadand slit molding part 10 (hereinafter also referred to as molding part10), first pressing part 30 (serving as third bead molding part 30),second pressing part 40, first piercing part 50, second piercing part60, trimming part 70, and scrap cutting part 80, as shown in FIG. 2. Thelength in the conveying direction of the pressing region by eachpressing part is basically shorter than the first predetermined distanceL1. However, only the length in the conveying direction of the pressingregion of the molding part 10 is longer than the first predetermineddistance L1. Each pressing part 4 on the downstream side in theconveying direction from the first pressing part 30 is arranged at apitch of the first predetermined distance L1. However, the molding part10 and first pressing part 30 are separated by the first predetermineddistance L1, which is longer than the distance between for otherpressing parts 4. In other words, the first pressing part 30 is arrangedon the downstream side in the conveying direction from the molding part10 by two pitch (twice of the first predetermined distance L1). Eachpressing part 4 has a mold for performing a pressing process such asmolding or punching. The plurality of pressing parts 4 perform pressingprocess at the same timing, basically. Consequently, it is possible toapply a load P using one load applying device, to the upper mold of aplurality and all of the pressing parts 4.

It should be noted that the portions indicated by reference numbers 110,130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 shown in the elongated metal plate 100 ofFIG. 3 are respectively portions of the elongated metal plate 100 afterprocessed by the molding part 10, first pressing part 30 (third beadmolding part 30), second pressing part 40, first piercing part 50,second piercing part 60, trimming part 70, scrap cutting part 80. Asshown in FIG. 3, as approaching the downstream side in the conveyingdirection D, since the step of the pressing process executed by eachpressing part 4 increases, the portion which was pressing processednears the completed separator shaped part 600. The completed separatorshaped part 600 is formed in the portion of reference number 170. Itshould be noted that the portion indicated by the reference number 120is a portion conveyed by the feed amount of the first predetermineddistance L1 by the conveying part 2, after processed by the molding part10, and the pressing process is not carried out at this location.

The molding part 10 has a bead molding part 11 and slit forming part 15.The slit forming part 15 includes a first slit forming section 16 and asecond slit forming section 17. The bead molding part 11, first slitforming section 16 and the second slit forming section 17 may beconfigured by an integral mold, or may be configured by separate molds,respectively. The bead molding part 11 molds a bead (bead 101A, bead101B in time sequence in FIGS. 6A and 6B) having a length of a secondpredetermined distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of theelongated metal plate 100, in a side part of the region 190 whichbecomes the product part of the elongated metal plate 100. The secondpredetermined distance L2 is longer than the first predetermineddistance L1. In other words, the second predetermined distance L2 islonger than the predetermined feed amount by the conveying part 2. Thebead molding part 11 molds the continuously linked bead 101 by repeatedoperation. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the bead 101is molded on both side parts of the region 190 which becomes the productpart, at both sides in the short direction of the elongated metal plate100 (both sides in width direction). The bead 101 is a molded part forimproving the rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the elongatedmetal plate 100.

The first slit forming section 16 forms the first slit 106 (106A, 106Bin time sequence in FIGS. 6A to 6C), which extends in the shortdirection of the elongated metal plate 100, to the upstream side in theconveying direction of the region 190 which becomes the product part ofthe elongated metal plate 100. In the present embodiment, the first slitforming section 16 forms two slits separated in the short direction ofthe elongated metal plate 100, as the first slit 106.

The second slit forming section 17 forms the second slit 107 (107A, 107Bin time sequence in FIGS. 6A and 6B), which extends in the shortdirection of the elongated metal plate 100 to the downstream side in theconveying direction of the region 190 which becomes the product part ofthe elongated metal plate 100. In the present embodiment, the secondslit forming section 17 forms three slits separated in the shortdirection of the elongated metal plate 100, as the second slit 107. Thesecond slit forming section 17 is arranged at a position separated bythe first predetermined distance L1, to the downstream side in theconveying direction of the first slit forming section 16. In otherwords, the position of the mold of the first slit forming section 16which forms the first slit 106, and the position of the mold of thesecond slit forming section 17 which forms the second slit 107 areseparated by the same distance as the predetermined feed amount of theconveying part 2. The slit 105 extending in the short direction of theelongated metal plate 100 is formed by the first slit 106 formed by thefirst slit forming section 16, and the second slit 107 formed by thesecond slit forming section 17 after the elongated metal plate 100 isconveyed by the first predetermined distance L1.

The first pressing part 30 press molds so that a region to become thegas flow channel part 510 of the separator 500 becomes the first gasflow channel shape 511, and press molds so that the region to become theseal part 520 of convex shape for sealing the gas flow channel part andcommunication hole becomes the first seal part shape 521.

It should be noted that the first pressing part 30 also functions as athird bead molding part in the present embodiment. Consequently, thefirst pressing part 30 is also referred as a third bead molding part 30.The third bead molding part 30 molds the third bead 104 of a shapesurrounding the periphery of the region 190 which becomes the productpart, and is surrounded by the bead 101 and slit 105 in the elongatedmetal plate 100.

In this way, the first pressing part 30 (third bead molding part 30) isarranged on the downstream side in the conveying direction of themolding part 10, and simultaneously executes press molding of the region190 which becomes the product part, and press molding of the third bead104 surrounding the periphery of the region 190 which becomes theproduct part. The first pressing part 30 press molds so as to mold thefirst gas flow channel shape 511 and first seal part shape 521 in theregion 190 which becomes the product part.

The second pressing part 40 press molds so that the first gas flowchannel shape 511 molded by the first pressing part 30 becomes thesecond gas flow channel shape 512, and press molds so that the firstseal part shape 521 formed by the first pressing part 30 becomes thesecond seal part shape 522.

The first piercing part 50 punches out a part of the holes among theportion which becomes the hole part of the separator 500. Herein, theportions which become four coolant communication holes 540 are punched.

The second piercing part 60 punches the remaining holes which had notbeen punched by the first piercing part 50, among the portions whichbecome the hole part of the separator 500. Herein, the portions whichbecome six gas communication holes 530 are punched.

The trimming part 70 cuts loose the separator shaped part 600 from theelongated metal plate 100, by punching the outer peripheral part 610 ofthe separator shaped part 600 formed in the elongated metal plate 100.

The scrap cutting part 80 cuts the portion 100B which becomes scrap ofthe elongated metal plate 100, after the separator shaped part 600 iscut loose.

Next, the details of the progressive pressing method of the presentembodiment will be explained. Herein, the progressive pressing method ofthe present embodiment is used as the method of manufacturing the fuelcell separator 500, and constitutes the manufacturing method for fuelcell separators.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by each pressing part 4on the region 190 which becomes one product part, while the region 190which becomes one product part is conveyed in predetermined feed amountsby the conveying part 2. First, in a first step S1, the molding part 10executes a bead and slit forming process. The second step S2 is apass-through step in which the pressing process is not particularlyperformed. In the third step S3, the first pressing part 30 (third beadmolding part 30) executes the third bead molding step and the firstpressing step on the region 190 to become the product part. In thefourth step S4, the second pressing part 40 executes the second pressingstep on the region 190 to become the product part. In the fifth step S5,the first piercing part 50 executes the first piercing step of punchinga part of the hole part. In the sixth step, the second piercing part 60executes a second piercing step of punching the remaining holes. In theseventh step S7, the trimming part 70 executes a trimming step ofpunching the outer peripheral part of the separator shaped part 600. Inthe eighth step SB, the scrap cutting part 80 executes the scrap cuttingstep of cutting a portion which becomes scrap of the elongated metalplate 100.

These steps are executed simultaneously on the regions 190 which becomea plurality of product parts. However, when trying to focus on theregion which becomes one product part (for example, region 191 whichbecomes a first product part described later), the pressing process issequentially executed by the first step S1 to eighth step S8, whileconveying by the conveying part 2, in this region.

Hereinafter, a part of the steps will be explained in detail whilesummarizing.

(Bead and Slit Forming Step S10)

The bead and slit forming step S10 will be explained using FIGS. 5 to 8.This step is a step executed over the aforementioned first step S1 tothird step S3. Hereinafter, among the regions 190 which become theproduct parts of the elongated metal plate 100, it will be explainedfocusing on the region 191 becoming the first product part and theregion 192 becoming the second product part. In this bead and slitforming step S10, the molding part 10 and first pressing part 30 (thirdbead molding part 30) are used as a pressing part 4.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the bead and slit forming step S10. The beadand slit forming step S10 includes a first bead molding step S11, firstconveying step S12, and second bead molding step S13. In addition, thebead and slit forming step includes the first slit forming step S11which is performed simultaneously with the first bead molding step S11,and the second slit forming step S13 which is performed simultaneouslywith the second bead molding step S13. Furthermore, the bead and slitforming step includes a second conveying step S14 and third bead moldingstep S15, which are executed after the second bead molding step S13 andsecond slit forming step S13.

FIG. 6A is a view showing a state of the elongated metal plate 100 inwhich the first bead 101A, first slit 106A and second slit 107A weremolded by the molding part 10, in the first bead molding step S11 andfirst slit forming step S11. FIG. 6B is a subsequent view showing astate of the elongated metal plate 100, in which the second bead 101B,first slit 106B and second slit 107B were molded by the molding part 10in the second bead molding step S13 and second slit forming step S13,after conveying the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinaldirection by the feed amount of the first predetermined distance L1.FIG. 6C is a view showing a state of the elongated metal plate 100 inwhich the third bead 104 was molded by the third bead molding part 30 inthe third bead molding step S15, after conveying the elongated metalplate 100 in the longitudinal direction by the feed amount of the firstpredetermined distance L1. It should be noted that, in FIGS. 6A to 6C,the bead and slit formed in steps before the first bead molding step S11(first slit forming step S1 l) are shown by dotted lines.

First, an explanation will be provided by focusing on the bead moldingstep. First, in the first bead molding step S11, the bead molding part11 molds the first bead 101A having the length of the secondpredetermined distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of theelongated metal plate 100, at the side part of the region 191 whichbecomes the first product part of the elongated metal plate 100. Itshould be noted that this step corresponds to a step executing theaforementioned first step S1, with the region 191 to become the firstproduct part as the target.

The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in FIG.6A. Herein, the second predetermined distance L2 is longer than thefirst predetermined distance L1. In other words, the secondpredetermined distance L2 is longer than the predetermined feed amountby the conveying part 2.

Next, in the first conveying step S12, the conveying part 2 conveys theelongated metal plate 100 by the feed amount of the first predetermineddistance L1 in the longitudinal direction.

Next, in the second bead molding step S13, the bead molding part 11molds the second bead 101B having the length of the second predetermineddistance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongatedmetal plate 100, so as to link with the first bead 101A molded in thefirst bead molding step S11, at the side part of the region 192 tobecome the second product part of the elongated metal plate 100. Itshould be noted that this step corresponds to a step executing theaforementioned first step S1, with the region 192 to become the secondproduct part as the target.

The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in FIG.6B. Herein, since the second predetermined distance L2 is longer thanthe first predetermined distance L1, which is the predetermined feedamount by the conveying part 2, the position at which the first bead101A is molded and the position at which the second bead 101B is moldedhave the overlap 101C.

Subsequently, since the conveying and bead molding are repeatedlyexecuted similarly, the bead 101 which is continuously linked withoutgaps is formed.

In this way, since the second predetermined distance L2 which is thelength of the first bead 101A and second bead 101B is longer than thefirst predetermined distance L1 which is the feed amount by theconveying part 2, it is possible to continuously mold, in an efficientstep, the bead 101 as a molded part for raising the rigidity of theelongated metal plate. In addition, by performing such a process, it ispossible to achieve reinforcement of the elongated metal plate 100during progressive feeding, and suppress the occurrence of deflection ofthe elongated metal plate 100 during the pressing process.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view along the line E-E in FIG. 6A. Theshape of the bead 101 is preferably a convex shape in a cross sectionsuch as that shown in FIG. 7, from the viewpoint of securing rigidityand processability. The bead molding part 11 has a mold for molding thebead 101 of such a convex shape in the cross section. However, so longas the shape of the bead 101 is a configuration raising the rigidity inthe longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate 100, the shapethereof is not a problem.

It should be noted that, in the bead and slit forming step S10 of thepresent embodiment, the first slit forming step S11 is performedsimultaneously with the first bead molding step S1 l. In addition, thesecond slit forming step S13 is performed simultaneously with the secondbead molding step S13.

An explanation will thereby be provided focusing on the slit formingstep. First, in the first slit forming step S11, the first slit formingsection 16 forms the first slit 106A, on an upstream side in theconveying direction of the region 191 which becomes the first productpart of the elongated metal plate 100 (between the region 191 to becomethe first product part and the region 192 to become the second productpart). In addition, the second slit forming section 17 forms the secondslit 107A on the downstream side in the conveying direction of theregion 191 to become the first product part of the elongated metal plate100. It should be noted that this step corresponds to a step executingthe aforementioned first step S1, with the region 191 to become thefirst product part as the target. The state of the elongated metal plate100 at this time is shown in FIG. 6A.

Next, in the first conveying step S12, the conveying part 2 conveys theelongated metal plate 100 by the feed amount of the first predetermineddistance L1 in the longitudinal direction. The first slit 106A on theupstream side in the conveying direction of the region 191 to become thefirst product part comes to a position overlapped in the longitudinaldirection with a position at which the second slit 107 is formed by thesecond slit forming section 17.

Next, in the second slit forming step S13, the first slit formingsection 16 forms the first slit 106B on an upstream side in theconveying direction of the region 192 to become the second product partof the elongated metal plate 100. In addition, the second slit formingsection 17 forms the second slit 107B at the downstream side in theconveying direction of the second product part of the elongated metalplate 100, i.e. upstream side in the conveying direction of the region191 to become the first product part (between the region 191 to becomethe first product part and the region 192 to become the second productpart). It should be noted that this step corresponds to a step executingthe aforementioned first step S1 with the region 192 to become thesecond product part as the target. The state of the elongated metalplate 100 at this time is shown in FIG. 6B.

In this way, the slit 105 arranged between the region 191 to become thefirst product part and the region 192 to become the second product partis formed by a combination of the first slit 106A formed by the firstslit forming step S11, and the second slit 107B formed by the secondslit forming step S13. Herein, the first slit 106A and second slit 1078are formed to be lined up with a gap in the short direction of theelongated metal plate 100. In addition, the first slit 106A and secondslit 107B are formed at positions not overlapping.

Subsequently, since conveying and slit forming are similarly executedrepeatedly, the slit 105 extending in the short direction of theelongated metal plate 100 is sequentially formed in a region betweenregions 190 which become adjoining product parts.

It thereby becomes possible to effectively absorb the stress generatedin the elongated metal plate 100 during the pressing process by eachpressing part 4 thereafter. In addition, by providing the slit 105 in aregion between regions 190 which become adjoining product parts, theregions 190 to become the product parts will hardly receive theinfluence of other pressing processes conducted on the upstream side ordownstream side in the conveying direction thereof. In particular, sincethe slits 105 are lined up with a gap in the short direction of theelongated metal plate 100, the effect thereof is great. Moreover, inaddition to molding the bead 101 continuously at both ends of the region190 to become the product part of the elongated metal plate 100, byforming the slit 105 in a region between regions 190 to become adjacentproduct parts of the elongated metal plate 100, which is the inner sidein the short direction of the overlap 101C of the first bead 101A andsecond bead 1018 of the bead 101 on both side parts thereof, it ispossible to synergistically improve the effect of suppressing deflectionoccurring in the region 190 to become the product part, during thepressing process. It should be noted that, due to establishing as a stepwhich does not at one time punch the first slit 106 and second slit 107lined up in a row in the short direction, problems such as the elongatedmetal plate 100 deflecting hardly arise. In addition, due tosimultaneously performing the bead molding step and slit forming step,it is possible to achieve shortening of the processing time. Inaddition, since the bead molding part 11, first slit forming section 16and second slit forming section 17 are configured by one molding part10, it is possible to prevent a size increase of the apparatus.Consequently, it leads to a reduction in the footprint of the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part F in FIG. 6B. As shown in FIG. 8, aremainder 108 of the elongated metal plate 100 existing between thefirst slit 106 and second slit 107 has a curved part 108A. In moredetail, the remainder 108 has a first withdrawn part 108B which connectswith the region 191 to become the first product part, and extendstowards the upstream side in the conveying direction; an intermediatepart 108C having one end side connected with the upstream side in theconveying direction of the first withdrawn part 108B, and extending inthe short direction; and a second withdrawn part 108B which connectswith the other end side of the intermediate part 108C, and extendstowards the upstream side in the conveying direction to connect with theregion 192 which becomes the second product part. The one end side andother end side of the intermediate part 108C become the curved part108A.

If such a configuration, the curved part 108A becomes able to moreeffectively absorb stress generated in the elongated metal plate 100,during the pressing process by each pressing part 4 thereafter. However,the shapes of the first slit 106 and second slit 107 are not limitedthereto, and may be a rectangular shape, for example.

Next, in the second conveying step S14, the conveying part 2 conveys theelongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal direction by the feedamount of the first predetermined distance L1, which is shorter than thesecond predetermined distance L2.

Next, in the third bead molding step S15, the third bead molding part 30molds, in the elongated metal plate 100, the third bead 104 of a shapesurrounding the periphery of the region 191 which becomes the firstproduct part, and is surrounded by the bead 101 and slit 105. It shouldbe noted that this step corresponds to a step executing theaforementioned third step S3 with the region 191 to become the firstproduct part as the target.

The state of the elongated metal plate 100 at this time is shown in FIG.6C. It should be noted that FIG. 6C shows the second slit 107A which wassimultaneously formed with the first forming step S11, and the firstslit 106Z which was formed in a step before the first slit forming stepS11. Herein, part of the slit 105 (second slit 107A) formed on thedownstream side in the conveying direction of the region 191 to becomethe first product part is a part formed simultaneously with the firstbead molding step S11 (first slit forming step S11).

In this way, in addition to molding the bead 101 continuously at bothends of the region 190 to become the product part of the elongated metalplate 100, by forming the slit 105 in a region between regions 190 tobecome adjacent product parts of the elongated metal plate 100, andfurther molding the annular third bead 104 of a shape surrounding theperiphery of the region 190 to become the product part, and surroundedby the bead 101 and slit 105, it is possible to more synergisticallyimprove the effect of suppressing deflection occurring in the region 190to become the product part, during the pressing process. Then, theregion 190 to become the product part is less susceptible in otherpressing processes conducted on the upstream side or downstream side inthe conveying direction thereof. It should be noted that thecross-sectional shape of the third bead 104 may be made across-sectional convex shape such as that shown in FIG. 7, similarly tothe cross-sectional shape of the bead 101.

In addition, by using each pressing part 4 distributedly or jointly asmentioned above, and further executing distributedly or simultaneouslyin chronology the first bead molding step S1 l, second bead molding stepS13, third bead molding step S15, first slit forming step S11 and secondslit forming step S13, it is possible to achieve shortening of theprocessing time, a reduction in apparatus size, while obtaining aneffect of effectively suppressing deflection occurring in the region 190to become the product part.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A,the position of the conveying direction upstream-side end 101D of thefirst bead 101A formed by the bead molding part 11 comes to be more onthe upstream side in the conveying direction than the position of thefirst slit 106A formed by the first slit forming section 16. Inaddition, the position of the conveying direction downstream-side end101E of the first bead 101A formed by the bead molding part 11 comes tobe more on the downstream side in the conveying direction than theposition of the second slit 107A formed by the second slit formingsection 17. It is thereby possible to perform the pressing process bythe molding part 10 with balance.

It should be noted that, in the third bead molding step S15, the firstpressing step which is a first stage of the pressing process among atwo-stage pressing process described later is executed on the region 190to become the product part, simultaneously with the press molding of thethird bead 104 surrounding the periphery of the region 190 to become theproduct part. It is thereby possible to achieve shortening of theprocess time and a reduction in apparatus size, while obtaining aneffect of suppressing deflection occurring the region 190 to become theproduct part.

It should be noted that the molding part 10 may form a positioning hole109 by a pressing process, simultaneously with the bead and slit. In thepresent embodiment, four positioning holes 109 are formed by the moldingpart 10 in the four corners. By this positioning hole 109 being formed,the elongated metal plate 100 after conveying is positioned at anaccurate position, during the pressing process in a step on thedownstream side in the conveying direction after this.

(Pressing Step S20)

The pressing step S20 will be explained using FIGS. 9 to 13. In thepressing step S20, a two-stage pressing process is performed on theregion 190 which becomes the product part of the elongated metal plate100. The pressing step S20 includes the aforementioned third step S3 andfourth step S4. In this pressing step S20, the first pressing part 30and second pressing part 40 can be used as the pressing parts 4.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the pressing step S20. The pressing step S20includes a first pressing step S21, conveying step S22 and secondpressing step S23.

First, in the first pressing step S21, the first pressing part 30executes the first pressing step on the region 190 to become the productpart. This step is a first stage of the pressing step, and correspondsto the aforementioned third step S3. In more detail, in the firstpressing step S21, the first pressing part 30 press molds so that theregion to become the gas flow channel part 510 of the separator 500becomes a first gas flow channel shape 511, and press molds so that aregion to become a seal part 520 of convex shape for sealing the gasflow channel part and communication hole becomes a first seal part shape521. In addition, the first pressing step simultaneously performs theaforementioned third bead molding step, and press molds the third beadinto the third bead shape.

Next, in the conveying step S22, the conveying part 2 conveys theelongated metal plate 100 by the feed amount which is the firstpredetermined distance L1 in the longitudinal direction.

Next, in the second pressing step S23, the second pressing part 40executes the second pressing step on the region 190 to become theproduct part. This step is a second stage of the pressing step, andcorresponds to the aforementioned fourth step S4. In more detail, in thesecond pressing step S23, the second pressing part 40 press molds sothat the first gas flow channel shape 511 molded by the first pressingpart 30 becomes the second gas flow channel shape 512, and press moldsso that the first seal part shape 521 molded by the first pressing part30 becomes the second seal part shape 522.

Herein, an explanation is provided hereinafter focusing on the two-stagepressing process performed on the region that becomes the seal part 520(refer to FIG. 1) of the separator 500. It should be noted that the sealpart 520 of the separator 500 is a portion which is pushed whensuperimposed with another separator to make a pair. Consequently, thisportion requires higher strength compared to other molded parts such asthe gas flow channel part 510.

In the first pressing step S21, the first pressing part 30 press moldsso that the region to become the seal part 520 becomes the first sealpart shape 521. By this first pressing step S21, work hardening isimparted to the entire region that becomes a convex shape configuringthe seal part 520. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in the middle ofprocessing corresponding to a cross section along the line G-G of theseal part 520 of the separator 500 shown in FIG. 1, and is across-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape (first seal partshape 521) after the first processing step S21. FIG. 10 shows the shapesof the lower mold 31 and upper mold 32 of the first pressing part 30,relative to the region which becomes the seal part 520. In addition,FIG. 10 shows by way of hatching the distribution of distortion in thefirst seal part shape 521 obtained by simulation.

In the second pressing step S23, the second pressing part 40 press moldsthe region work hardened in the first pressing step S21 so as to becomea convex shape corresponding to the final seal part 520. FIG. 11 is across-sectional view corresponding to a cross section along the line G-Gof the seal part 520 of the separator 500 shown in FIG. 1, and is across-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape (second seal partshape 522) after the second pressing step S23. FIG. 11 shows the shapesof the lower mold 41 and upper mold 42 of the second pressing part 40,relative to the region which becomes the seal part 520. In addition,FIG. 11 shows by way of hatching the distribution of distortion in thesecond seal part shape 522 obtained by simulation.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a comparative example, and is across-sectional view showing, in the case of forming the shape of thefinal seal part 520 by only one time pressing step, the cross-sectionalshape (seal part shape 523) of this portion. FIG. 12 shows the shapes ofthe lower mold 41 and upper mold 42 of the pressing part in thecomparative example. This is the same as the shapes of the lower mold 41and upper mold 42 shown in FIG. 11. In addition, FIG. 12 shows by way ofhatching the distribution of distortion in the seal part shape 523obtained by simulation. Herein, portions with higher the density oflines in the hatching have greater distortion.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the comparative example, the distribution ofdistortion in the seal part shape 523 is not uniform, and portions oflocally high distortion H1, H2, H3 exist. Although these portions arework hardened, the plate thickness is thin, and the overall strength islow. In other words, in this comparative example, the plate thickness ofthe seal part shape 523 after the press molding becomes non-uniform, anduniform work hardening is not imparted to the seal part shape 523.

On the other hand, the present embodiment includes: the first pressingstep S21 imparting the work hardening to the entire region which becomesa convex shape configuring the seal part 520, and the second pressingstep S23 which press molds the region work hardened in the firstpressing step so as to become a convex shape. In this way, since workhardening is imparted to the entire region which becomes a convex shapeconfiguring the seal part 520 in the first pressing step S21, it ispossible to raise the strength of the completed seal part 520.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since conducting the pressingprocess with the object of imparting work hardening to the entire regionwhich becomes the convex shape configuring the seal part 520 in thefirst pressing step S21, the uniformity of the distribution ofdistortion of the first seal part shape 521 after the first pressingstep S21 is high as shown in FIG. 10. In addition, the uniformity inplate thickness of the first seal part shape 521 after the firstpressing step S21 is high.

Then, in the first pressing step S21, since work hardening is impartedto the entire region which becomes a convex shape configuring the sealpart 520, the uniformity of the distribution of distortion in the secondseal part shape 522 after the second pressing step S23 is high as shownin FIG. 11. In addition, the uniformity in plate thickness of the secondseal part shape 522 after the second pressing step S23 is high.

It should be noted that, in the first pressing step S21, press moldingis conducted so that the upper surface of the first seal part shape 521becomes a circular arc shape which is convex upwards. In the firstpressing step S21, the lower mold 31 having the portion 31A of convextype which is substantially semicircular in the cross section such asthat shown in FIG. 10 is used. By configuring in this way, in the firstpressing step S21, press molding is conducted so that work hardening isimparted mostly uniformly to the upper surface of the first seal partshape.

On the other hand, in the second pressing step S23, the lower mold 41having the portion 41A of a continuous shape in a circular arc which isconvex upwards such as that shown in FIG. 11 is used. The circular arcshape of the upper surface of the lower mold 31 in the first pressingstep S21 has a radius of 0.5 mm, to 2.0 mm. The circular arc shape ofthe upper surface RT of the lower mold 41 in the second pressing stepS23 is a radius of 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm, the length in the width directionthereof is 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and is longer in the width direction thanthe lower mold 31 in the first pressing step S21. In addition, theradius of both corners RE of the lower mold 41 in the second pressingstep S23 is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The dimensions of these molds can be setas appropriate.

It should be noted that, in the first pressing step S21 and secondpressing step S23, two-stage pressing is performed on the region whichbecomes the gas flow channel part 510 (refer to FIG. 1) of the separator500. In other words, as mentioned earlier, in the first pressing stepS21, the first pressing part 30 press molds so that the region whichbecomes the gas flow channel part 510 of the separator 500 becomes thefirst gas flow channel shape 511. In the second pressing step S23, thesecond pressing part 40 press molds so that the first gas flow channelshape 511 molded by the first pressing part 30 becomes the second gasflow channel shape 512.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view in the middle of processingcorresponding to the cross section along the line J-J of the gas flowchannel part 510 of the separator 500 shown in FIG. 1, and is across-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape (first gas flowchannel shape 511) after the first pressing step S21. In addition, FIG.13A shows the shapes of the lower mold 31 and upper mold 32 of the firstpressing part 30, relative to the region which becomes the gas flowchannel part 510, used in the first pressing step S21. FIG. 13B is across-sectional view corresponding to a cross section along the line J-Jof the gas flow channel part 510 of the separator 500 shown in FIG. 1,and is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape (firstgas flow channel shape 511) after the first pressing step S21. Inaddition, FIG. 13B shows the shapes of the lower mold 41 and upper mold42 of the second pressing part 40, relative to the region which becomesthe gas flow channel part 510, used in the second pressing step S23.FIG. 13C is a view of the second gas flow channel shape 512 after thesecond pressing step S23, which is after removing the molds. The gasflow channel part 510 does not require high strength like that of theseal part 520. Consequently, upon molding the first gas flow channelshape 511, imparting uniform work hardening is not an object.

As shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the radius RA of the convex part 31Bof the lower mold 31 used in the first pressing step S21 is larger thanthe radius RB of the convex part 41B of the lower mold 41 used in thesecond pressing step. In addition, the radius RC of the concave part 32Bof the upper mold 32 used in the first pressing step S21 is larger thanthe radius RD of the concave part 42B of the upper mold 42 used in thesecond pressing step. It thereby becomes possible to suppress shapereturn of the metal plate after press molding, and it is possible tosuppress the occurrence of unintended waviness of the second gas flowchannel shape 512. On the other hand, upon molding the first gas flowchannel shape 511, imparting uniform work hardening is not an object.

As mentioned above, the gas flow channel part 510 does not require highstrength like that of the seal part 520. Consequently, in the firstpressing step 321, press molding is performed so that work hardening isimparted more uniformly to the region press molded into the first sealpart shape 521 than the region press molded into the first gas flowchannel shape 511. In addition, in the first pressing step S21, pressmolding is performed so that the uniformity of the plate thickness ofthe region press molded into the first seal part shape 521 is higherthan the uniformity of the plate thickness of the region press moldedinto the first gas flow channel shape 511.

In addition, in the first pressing step, the third bead is press moldedinto the third bead shape before press molding the first seal part shape521 and first gas flow channel shape 511, by a first lock bead moldingmold (not illustrated) formed in the upper mold 32 and lower mold 31.The first seal part shape and first gas flow channel shape 511 are pressmolded in a state pulling the metal plate material of a region whichbecomes the product part in the outer circumferential direction by thethird bead; therefore, it is possible to mold the first product partshape precisely. Such a lock bead molding mold may also be provided inthe second pressing step.

In this way, in the present embodiment, a two-stage pressing process isemployed on the region to become the seal part 520 of the separator 500,and work hardening is imparted to the entire region which becomes aconvex shape configuring the seal part 520 in the first stage firstpressing step S21; therefore, it is possible to raise the strength ofthe completed seal part 520.

It should be noted that the technique of the present embodimentexecuting the first pressing step to impart work hardening to the entireregion which becomes a convex shape configuring the seal part 520, andthe second pressing step which press molds the region work hardened inthe first pressing step so as to become a convex shape can beefficiently conducted by a progressive pressing method; however, it isnot limited to a progressive pressing method, and will be a usefultechnique even in the case of another pressing method. In addition, thistechnique is a particularly useful technique upon forming the seal part520 of a fuel cell separator 500 for which high strength is demanded,irrespective of the material metal plate being very thin.

(Piercing Step S30)

The piercing step will be explained using FIG. 14. The piercing step S30is divided into two times to perform punching processes of holes on theelongated metal plate 100. The piercing step S30 includes theaforementioned fifth step S5 and sixth step S6. In this piercing stepS30, the first piercing part 50 and second piercing part 60 are used asthe pressing parts 4.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of the piercing step S30. The piercing stepS30 includes a first piercing step S31, conveying step S32 and secondpiercing step S33.

First, in the first piercing step S31, the first piercing part 50punches a part of the holes in portions to become the hole parts of theseparator 500. Herein, four portions to become coolant communicationholes 540 are punched. This step corresponds to the aforementioned fifthstep S5.

Next, in the conveying step S32, the conveying part 2 conveys theelongated metal plate 100 by the feed amount which is the firstpredetermined distance L1 in the longitudinal direction.

Next, in the second piercing step S33, the second piercing part 60punches the remaining holes which had not been punched by the firstpiercing part 50, among the portions to become the hole parts of theseparator 500. Herein, six portions which become the gas communicationholes 530 are punched.

The piercing step is a step in which the most stress acts on theelongated metal plate 100. In the present embodiment, by dividing thestep of punching holes into a plurality of times, it prevents theelongated metal plate 100 from deflecting from punching.

(Trimming and Discharging Step S40)

The trimming and discharging step S40 will be explained using FIGS. 15to 20. In the trimming and discharging step S40, the separator shapedpart 600 is cut loose from the elongated metal plate 100, and the cutloose separator shaped part 600 and the portion 100B which becomes scrapof the elongated metal plate 100 are discharged. The trimming anddischarging step S40 includes the aforementioned seventh step S7 andeighth step S8. In this trimming and discharging step S40, the trimmingpart 70 and scrap cutting part 80 are used as pressing parts 4.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the trimming and discharging step S40. Thetrimming and discharging step S40 includes a conveying step S41,trimming step S42 (scrap cutting step S42), and lifting-up step S43(discharging step S43).

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the elongated metal plate 100 which isconveyed by the conveying part 2. The portions illustrated with thereference numbers 150, 160, 170, 180 are respectively portions of theelongated metal plate 100 after processed by the first piercing part 50,second piercing part 60, trimming part 70, and scrap cutting part 80.The portion of reference number 170 becomes the completed separatorshaped part 600 (product part). FIG. 17 also shows the position of theportion configuring the discharging part 240 which includes the conveyor260 arranged under the elongated metal plate 100.

FIGS. 17A to 17D are views for explaining the flow of the trimming anddischarging step S40. FIGS. 17A to 17D schematically show the lower mold71 and upper mold 72 (outer periphery piercing punch 72) configuring thetrimming part 70, the upper mold 82 of the scrap cutting part 80 (scrapcutter 82), lifting part 3, and discharging part 240. The dischargingpart 240 includes the mobile discharging part 250 and conveyor 260. Themobile discharging part 250 includes a cylinder 251, a base 252 fixed tothe cylinder 251, and a roller 253 provided to the base. The dischargingpart 240 has a function as a separator shaped part conveying part 240.

As shown in FIG. 17A, in the conveying step S41, the elongated metalplate 100 which was press molded by the pressing step by each pressingpart 4 in the region 190 to become the product part is conveyed to thetrimming part 70. During conveying, the elongated metal plate 100 islifted up by the lifting part 3. As mentioned above, by the region 190which becomes the product part conveyed to the trimming part 70 beingcut loose from the elongated metal plate 100, the process advances to astate which becomes the separator shaped part 600.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, in the trimming step S42, the lifting part 3lowers down, and the trimming part 70 punches the outer peripheral part610 of the separator shaped part 600 formed in the elongated metal plate100. The separator shaped part 600 is thereby cut loose from theelongated metal plate 100. It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 16,a mode may be established which conducts partial punching of the outerperipheral part 610 of the separator shaped part 600 in a step beforethe trimming step S42, and punches the entirety of the outer peripheralpart 610 of the separator shaped part 600 in the trimming step S42.

At this time, the scrap cutting step S42 is also executed at the sametime, and the scrap cutting part 80 cuts the portion 100B which becomesscrap of the elongated metal plate 100 after the separator shaped part600 was cut loose in the scrap cutting line 197.

Next, the lifting up step S43 and discharging step S43 are performed. Inthis step, as shown in FIG. 17C, the lifting part 3 lifts up theelongated metal plate 100 after the separator shaped part 600 has beencut loose. Then, at the midst of lifting up, first, the portion 100Bwhich becomes scrap cut loose by the scrap cutting part 80 is dischargedby the conveyor 260.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 17C and 17D, the separator shaped part 600 cutloose by the trimming part 70 is discharged towards the conveyingdirection D by the roller 253 and conveyor 260. It should be noted thatthe roller 253 arranged at the lower mold 71 of the trimming part 70rises in the discharging step S43 as shown in FIG. 17C, by driving ofthe cylinder 251. The separator shaped part 600 conveyed towards theconveying direction D by the roller 253 is conveyed until the conveyor260 as shown in FIG. 17D. It should be noted that the roller 253 is alsoarranged at other arrangeable locations at the periphery of the lowermold 71.

The conveyor 260 discharges the separator shaped part 600. It should benoted that the lifting up of the lifting part 3 continuous untilentering this state. In other words, in the midst of the elongated metalplate 100 being lifted up by the lifting up step S43, the conveying part2 conveys the separator shaped part 600 which has been cut loose to thedownstream side in the conveying direction D. It should be noted thatthe conveying part 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 by thepredetermined feed amount, in preparation of the next step, in the midstof conducting this conveying step S43.

It is thereby possible to convey the separator shaped part 600 (productpart) in the conveying direction D, without punching and dropping.Consequently, managing the product part ahead in the conveying directionD becomes easy.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 18, a hook 73 for lifting upthe elongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shaped part 600was cut loose may be provided to the upper mold 72 of the trimming part70. Since the elongated metal plate 100 is very thin, it may bend bylifting up by only the lifting part 3. Therefore, by hanging theelongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shaped part 600 wascut loose using the hook 73, it is possible to aid the lifting up of theelongated metal plate 100. It should be noted that the hook 73 may beused in place of the lifting part 3 arranged on the downstream side inthe conveying direction of the trimming part 70.

It should be noted that the hook 73 is preferably mobile type uponhanging the elongated metal plate 100. For example, by connecting anactuator (not illustrated) to the hook 73, and controlling the actuatorby the control part 5, the hook 73 may be made mobile.

In the present embodiment, by adopting such a configuration, in thetrimming step S42, the trimming part 70 punches the outer peripheralpart of the separator shaped part 600 formed in the elongated metalplate 100, in a pressing direction which is the same as the pressingstep which is the first stage for forming the separator shaped part 600,and cuts loose the separator shaped part 600 from the elongated metalplate 100.

Then, the separator shaped part 600 has holes such as the gascommunication hole 530 and coolant communication hole 540. These holespunched in the aforementioned piercing step, and the outer peripheralpart of the separator shaped part 600 punched in the trimming step S42are punched in the same punching direction. The direction of burringoccurring at the outer peripheral part and holes of the separator shapedpart 600 are thereby the same direction, and thus subsequent deburringwork, etc. is easy.

Then, the separator shaped part 600 has convex parts such as the gasflow channel part 510 and seal part 520. The gas flow channel part 510and seal part 520 are molded in the aforementioned pressing step, sothat the upper side becomes a convex shape. Then, the outer peripheralpart of the separator shaped part 600 punched in the trimming step S42is punched in the same pressing direction as the aforementioned pressingstep.

This situation will be explained using FIG. 19A. In the presentembodiment, the direction in which ejection molding the convex parts 198which configure the gas flow channel part 510 and seal part 520 and thefacing direction of burrs 199 become opposite directions. As shown inFIG. 20A, when assembling the separator 500 and gasket 700, the burrs199 will thereby face the opposite direction as the gasket 700.Consequently, even without considering the burrs 199, it is possible tosuppress a situation such that the burrs 199 and gasket will interfere.Consequently, it is possible to prevent damage of this gasket.

FIG. 19B is a comparative example. As in this comparative example, ifadopting a configuration which punches the separator shaped part 600from above using the lower mold 71B and upper mold 72B, the direction ofejection molding the convex parts 198 configuring the gas flow channelpart 510 and seal part 520 and the direction of burrs 199 become thesame direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20B, when assembling theseparator 500 and gasket 700, the burrs 199 face the direction of thegasket. Consequently, a situation arises in which the separator 500 andgasket 700 can interfere.

(Configuration and Operation of Lifting Part 3)

Next, the configuration of the lifting part 3 and operating contentsthereof will be explained using FIGS. 21 and 22. The lifting part 3 is amechanism for lifting up and lowering down the elongated metal plate 100conveyed by the conveying part 2, in order to make the conveying of theelongated metal plate 100 and the pressing process on the elongatedmetal plate 100 smoother and appropriate processes.

Although the lifting part 3 is arranged in the vicinity of each pressingpart 4, such as between respective pressing parts 4, herein, aconfiguration of a lifting part 3 in the vicinity of the second piercingpart 60 will be explained to represent these. This configuration canalso be adopted in the lifting part 3 arranged at another position.However, the lifting part 3 of the present embodiment exhibits aparticularly high effect in the piercing step which is a step in whichhigh positioning precision is required, and intense stress acts on theelongated metal plate 100. A high effect is also exhibited in thepressing step of performing pressing on the region 190 which becomes theproduct part.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the lifting part 3 arranged at the firstpiercing part 50. FIG. 22 is a schematic drawing for explaining theconfiguration of the lifting part 3 and the operating contents thereof.FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the lifting part 3 along theline K-K in FIG. 21, and a cross-sectional view in the vicinity of thepositioning pin 350 along the line L-L in FIG. 21.

The lifting part 3 includes at least two lifting pins 310, a liftingplate 320 and an upper plate 330.

The lifting pins 310 are arranged at both sides in the short directionof the elongated metal plate. The lifting pin 310 has a leading end 311which is abutted by the upper plate 330, and a stepped-part 312 on whichplacing the lifting plate. In addition, below the lifting pin 310, afirst elastic body 313 which biases the lifting pin 310 upwards isprovided. It should be noted that the lifting pin 310, etc. is providedto base members 341, 342 which serve as the base of the lifting part 3.The base members 341, 342 may be integrated with the lower mold of thepressing part 4, or may be formed integrally.

The lifting plate 320 places thereon the elongated metal plate 100conveyed by the conveying part 2. The lifting plate 320 is provided soas to traverse the short direction of the elongated metal plate 100. Thelifting plate 320 is placed on the stepped part 312 of the lifting pin310, and moves in conjunction with vertical motion of the lifting pin310. Below the lifting plate 320, a second elastic body 321 and push-upmember 322 for biasing the lifting plate 320 upwards are provided.Herein, the biasing force upwards of the second elastic body 321 isgreater than the biasing force upwards of the first elastic body 313.

The upper plate 330 holds the elongated metal plate 100 between thelifting plate 320. The bottom surface of the upper plate 330 abuts theleading end 311 of the lifting pin 310, and pushes down the lifting pin310. It should be noted that the upper plate 330 may be integrated withthe upper plate of the pressing part 4, or may be formed integrally.

Herein, a positioning pin 350 which engages with the positioning hole109 provided in the elongated metal plate 100 is provided in the mainapparatus. The positioning pin 350 may be a part of the lifting part 3,or may be provided to the lower mold of the pressing part 4 or the like.The positioning holes 109 are provided at intervals of the firstpredetermined distance L1, as shown in FIG. 3. By there being thesepositioning holes 109, the conveying part 2 accurately conveys by thefeed amount of the first predetermined distance L1. In addition, theelongated metal plate 100 after conveying is positioned at an accurateposition.

The positioning part 3 is configured to be state variable between afirst state A, second state B and third state C (states C1, C2), asshown in FIG. 22.

The first state A is a state separating a distance t between the liftingplate 320 and upper plate 330, so as not to sandwich the elongated metalplate 100 between the lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330, in a statein which the positioning pin 350 and positioning hole 109 are notengaging.

The second state B is a state separating a distance t between thelifting plate 320 and upper plate 330, so as not to sandwich theelongated metal plate 100 between the lifting plate 320 and upper plate330, in a state in which the positioning pin 350 and positioning hole109 are engaged.

The third state C (state C1, state C2) is a state reducing the distancet between the lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330, so as to sandwichthe elongated metal plate 100 between the lifting plate 320 and upperplate 330, in a state in which the positioning pin 350 and positioninghole 109 are engaged.

Then, the lifting part 3 is configured so as to transition to the thirdstate from the first state after going through second state, and theconveying part 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 when the liftingpart 3 is in the first state A, and the pressing part performs pressingof the elongated metal plate 100 when the lifting part 3 is in the thirdstate C.

Next, the details of operation of the lifting part 3 will be explainedusing FIG. 22.

The first state A includes a state in which the upper plate 330 abutsthe leading end 311 of the lifting pin 310. This state is the top deadcenter state. The conveying part 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100when the lifting part 3 is this state.

The second state B includes a state in which the upper plate 330 pushesdown the lifting pin 310 against the biasing force of the first elasticbody 313, which is a state descending while maintaining a state in whichthe lifting plate 320 is placed on the stepped part 312 of the liftingpin 310.

The third state C includes a state in which the upper plate 330 pushesdown the lifting pin 310 against the biasing force of the first elasticbody, which is a state in which the stepped part of the lifting pin 310is separated from the lifting plate 320. Furthermore, the third stateincludes a state C1 in which the upper plate 330 pushed down the liftingpin 310 against only the biasing force of the first elastic body 313,and a state C2 which is bottom dead center of the upper plate 330pushing down the lifting pin 310 and lifting plate 320 against thebiasing force of the first elastic body 313 and the biasing force of thesecond elastic body 321. In the case of the configuration where thelifting part 3 includes the second elastic body 321, preferably eachpressing part 4 presses the elongated metal plate 100 when the liftingpart 3 enters this state C2 of bottom dead center.

It should be noted that, as shown in the bottom drawing of FIG. 22, thefeeder 230 of the conveying part 2 may be made to operate together withthe operation of the lifting part 3. For example, the feeder 230 isconfigured to be state variable, in addition to the discharging state ofdischarging the elongated metal plate 100, between a dischargingpreparation state in which free movement of the elongated metal plate100 is restricted, and a release state in which the elongated metalplate 100 has movement freedom. Then, the conveying part 2 establishesthe feeder 230 in a discharging state, when the lifting part 3 is thefirst state A. Next, the conveying by the feeder 230 is stopped, and thefeeder 230 is set in the release state and the lifting part 3 isestablished in the second state B. Next, until the upper plate 330enters the state C1 pushing down the lifting pin 310 against only thebiasing force of the first elastic body 313, in the third state C, thelifting part 3 preferably maintains the feeder 230 as is in the releasestate. Then, when the lifting part 3 enters the state C2 of bottom deadcenter, it enters a discharging preparation state in which free movementof the elongation metal plate 100 is restricted.

In the first state A, smooth conveying of the elongated metal plate 100thereby becomes possible. In the second state B, since it is possible toengage the positioning hole 109 with the positioning pin 350 withouttension acting on the elongated metal plate 100, it is possible toperform positioning with high precision. In the third state C2, it ispossible to perform the pressing process in a state reliably positioningand holding the elongated metal plate 100. Consequently, it is possibleto perform the pressing process in a state with very little deflectionof the elongated metal plate 100.

It should be noted that the lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330 areprovided so as to traverse the short direction of the elongated metalplate 100. It is thereby possible to perform the pressing process in astate reliably positioning and holding the elongated metal plate 100.Consequently, it is possible to perform the pressing process in a statewith very little deflection of the elongated metal plate 100.

In addition, the portions of the lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330sandwiching the elongated metal plate 100 are made in a frame shape, andthe elongated metal plate 100 may be sandwiched in a state such thatsurrounds the region 190 which becomes the product part of the elongatedmetal plate 100. It is also thereby possible to perform the pressingprocess in a state reliably positioning and holding the elongated metalplate 100. Consequently, it is possible to perform the pressing processin a state with very little deflection of the elongated metal plate 100.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects are exerted.

(1) The progressive pressing method of the present embodiment is aprogressive pressing method which molds a plurality of product parts inthe elongated metal plate 100, and includes: the first bead molding stepof molding the first bead 101A having a length of the secondpredetermined distance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of theelongated metal plate 100, in a side part of the region 191 whichbecomes the first product part of the elongated metal plate 100; thefirst conveying step of conveying the elongated metal plate 100 by thefeed amount which is the first predetermined distance L1 in thelongitudinal direction; and the second bead molding step of molding thesecond bead 101B having a length of the second predetermined distance L2extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated metal plate100, so as to connect with the first bead 101A molded in the first beadmolding step, in a side part of the region 192 which becomes the secondproduct part of the elongated metal plate 100, in which the secondpredetermined distance L2 is longer than the first predetermineddistance L1. It is thereby possible to mold in a continuous andefficient process the bead 101 which serves as a molded part for raisingthe rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100.

(2) The progressive pressing method of (1) further includes the slitforming step of forming the slit 105 which extends in the shortdirection of the elongated metal plate 100, between the region 191 whichbecomes the first product part and the region 192 which becomes thesecond product part. It thereby becomes possible to effectively absorbthe stress occurring in the elongated metal plate 100 during theprocessing process.

(3) The slit forming step of the progressive pressing method of (2)includes: the first slit forming step of forming the first slit 106between the region 191 which becomes the first product part and theregion 192 which becomes the second product part simultaneously with thefirst bead molding step; and the second slit forming step of forming thesecond slit 107 between the region 191 which becomes the first productpart and the region 192 which becomes the second product part,simultaneously with the second bead molding step, in which the secondslit 107 formed after the second slit forming step is formed to be linedup in the short direction with the first slit 106 formed by the firstslit forming step. Problems such as distortion of the elongated metalplate 100 will thereby hardly occur, compared to a case of forming theslit 105 all at once.

(4) In the second slit forming step of the progressive pressing methodof (3), the second slit 107 is formed at a position not overlapping withthe first slit 106. The elongated metal plate 100 will thereby hardlydeform during the second slit forming step.

(5) In the progressive pressing method of (2) to (4), in the first beadmolding step, the first bead 101A is molded in both side parts of theregion 191 which becomes the first product part, in both sides in theshort direction of the elongated metal plate 100, and after the secondbead molding step, further includes; the second conveying step offurther conveying the elongated metal plate 100 by the feed amount ofthe first predetermined distance L1 in the longitudinal direction; andthe third bead molding step of molding the third bead 104, so as tosurround the periphery of the region 191 which becomes the first productpart of the elongated metal plate 100 conveyed in the second conveyingstep, and so as to be surrounded by the first bead 101A and the slit 105formed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region191 which becomes the first product part. It is thereby possible toimprove the effect of suppressing distortion occurring in the region 191which becomes the product part, during the pressing process.

(6) In the progressive pressing method of (5), the part of the slit 105formed on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the region191 which becomes the first product part is formed simultaneously withthe first bead molding step. By establishing a form which simultaneouslyexecutes a plurality of steps in this way, it is possible to achieveshortening of the processing time and a size reduction of the apparatus.

(7) The manufacturing method of fuel cell separators of the presentinvention includes the progressive pressing method of (1) to (6), inwhich the regions that become the first and second product parts areregions becoming the fuel cell separators 500. In the case ofmanufacturing fuel cell separators, it is possible to mold by acontinuous and efficient process the molded part for raising therigidity of the elongated metal plate 100.

(8) The progressive pressing device of the present invention is theprogressive pressing device 1 which molds a plurality of product partsin the elongated metal plate 100, and includes: the bead molding part 11that molds the bead 101 having a length of the second predetermineddistance L2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongatedmetal plate 100, in a side part of the region 190 which becomes theproduct part of the elongated metal plate 100; and the conveying part 2that conveys the elongated metal plate 100 by the feed amount which isthe first predetermined distance L1 in the longitudinal direction, inwhich the second predetermined distance L2 is longer than the firstpredetermined distance L1. It is thereby possible to mold in acontinuous and efficient process a molded part for raising the rigidityof the elongated metal plate 100.

(9) The progressive pressing device 1 of (8) further includes the slitforming part 15 which forms the slit 105 extending in the shortdirection of the elongated metal plate 100, in the upstream side in theconveying direction and the downstream side in the conveying directionof the region 190 which becomes the product part of the elongated metalplate 100. It thereby becomes possible to effectively absorb the stressoccurring in the elongated metal plate 100 during the pressing process.

(10) The slit forming part 15 of the progressive pressing device 1 of(9) includes: the first slit forming section 16 which forms the firstslit 106 in the upstream side in the conveying direction of the region190 which becomes the product part; and the second slit forming section17 which forms the second slit 107 in the downstream side in theconveying direction of the region 190 which becomes the product part, inwhich the first slit forming section 16 and second slit forming section17 are arranged to be separated by the first predetermined distance L1.Problems such as deflection of the elongated metal plate 100 willthereby hardly occur, compared to a case of forming the slit 105 all atonce.

(11) The second slit forming section 17 of the progressive pressingdevice 1 of (10) forms the second slit 107 at a position lined up in theshort direction with the first slit 106, and not overlapping with thefirst slit 106 formed by the first slit forming section 16. Theelongated metal plate 100 will thereby hardly deform during the secondslit forming step.

(12) The first slit forming section 16 and second slit forming section17 of the progressive pressing device 1 of (11) form the first slit 106and second slit 107 so that the remainder 108 of the elongated metalplate 100 existing between the first slit 106 formed by the first slitforming section 16 and the second slit 107 formed by the second slitforming section 17 has the curved part 108A. The curved part 108Athereby becomes able to more effectively absorb stress occurring in theelongated metal plate 100, during subsequent pressing processes by eachpressing part 4.

(13) The first slit forming section 16 and second slit forming section17 of the progressive pressing device 1 of (12) form the first slit 106and second slit 107, so that the remainder 108 of the elongated metalplate 100 has: the first withdrawn part 108B which connects with theregion 191 that becomes the first product part and extends towards theupstream side in the conveying direction; the intermediate part 108Cwhich is connected by one end side on the upstream side in the conveyingdirection of the first withdrawn part 108B and extends in the shortdirection; and the second withdrawn part 108D which connects with theother end side of the intermediate part 108C, and extends towards theupstream side in the conveying direction to connect with the region 192that becomes the second product part. The first slit 106 and second slit107 thereby become able to more effectively absorb the stress generatedin the elongated metal plate 100, during the subsequent pressing processby each pressing part 4.

(14) The bead 101 molded by the bead molding part 11 of the progressivepressing device 1 of (9) to (13) is molded at both side parts of theregion 190 which becomes the product part, in both ends in the shortdirection of the elongated metal plate 100, and the third bead moldingpart 30 which molds the third bead 104 of a shape surrounding theperiphery of the region 190 which becomes the product part, and issurrounded by the bead 101 formed by the bead molding part 11 and theslit 105 formed by the slit forming part is arranged on the downstreamside in the conveying direction of the slit forming part. It is therebypossible to improve the effect of suppressing deflection occurring inthe region 190 which becomes the product part, during the pressingprocess.

(15) The manufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cell separators of thepresent invention is a manufacturing apparatus including the progressivepressing device of (8) to (14), in which the region 190 that becomes theproduct part is a region that becomes the fuel cell separator 500. Inthe case of manufacturing fuel cell separators 500, it is possible tomold by a continuous and efficient process the molded part for raisingthe rigidity of the elongated metal plate 100.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the following effectsare exerted.

(1) The manufacturing method for fuel cell separators 500 of the presentembodiment is a manufacturing method for the fuel cell separators 500having the seal part 520 of convex shape which is pushed when overlappedwith another separator, and includes: a first pressing step of impartingwork hardening to the entire region which becomes a convex shapeconfiguring the seal part 520; and the second pressing step of pressmolding so that the region work hardened in the first pressing stepbecomes a convex shape. It is thereby possible to improve the strengthof the convex-shaped seal part 520.

(2) The manufacturing method for fuel cell separators 500 of the presentembodiment is a manufacturing method of the fuel cell separators 500having the gas flow channel part 510, and the seal part 520 of convexshape which is pushed when overlapped with another separator, the methodincluding: the first pressing step of press molding the region whichbecomes the gas flow channel part 510 into the first gas flow channelshape 511, and press molding the region which becomes the seal part 520into the first seal part shape 521; and the second pressing step ofpress molding the first gas flow channel shape 511 into the second gasflow channel shape 512, and press molding the first seal part shape 521into the second seal part shape 522, in which the first pressing stepperforms press molding so that the region press molded in the first sealpart shape 521 is uniformly imparted with more work hardening than theregion press molded into the first gas flow channel shape 511. It isthereby possible to ensure high strength in the completed seal part 520,while simultaneously molding the gas flow channel part 510 and seal part520 by performing two-stage pressing with both portions of the gas flowchannel part 510 and seal part 520 as targets.

(3) The manufacturing method for fuel cell separators 500 of (2)performs press molding in the first pressing step so that the uppersurface of the first seal part shape 521 becomes a circular arc shapewhich is convex upwards. It is thereby possible to impart work hardeningto the entire region which becomes the convex shape configuring the sealpart 520, in the first pressing step.

(4) The manufacturing method for fuel cell separators 500 of (2) or (3)conducts press molding in the first pressing step so that the uppersurface of the first seal part shape 521 is substantially uniformlyimparted with work hardening. It is thereby possible to improve thestrength of the convex-shaped seal part 520.

-   -   (5) The manufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cell separators of        the present invention is a manufacturing apparatus which        manufactures the fuel cell separator 500 having the seal part        520 of convex shape which is pushed when overlapped with another        separator, and includes the first pressing part 30 which imparts        work hardening to the entire region that becomes a convex shape        configuring the seal part 520; and the second pressing part 40        which press molds the region which was work hardened by the        first pressing part 30 so as to become a convex shape. It        thereby possible to impart work hardening to the entire region        which becomes the convex shape configuring the seal part 520 in        the first pressing step, and becomes possible to arrange the        shape of the seal part 520 so as to be able to ensure the        strength of the completed seal part 520 in the second pressing        step.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the following effectsare exerted.

(1) The manufacturing method for fuel cell separators of the presentembodiment is a manufacturing method for fuel cell separators by aprogressive pressing method which molds a plurality of separator shapedparts 600 in the elongated metal plate 100, the method including: thepressing step of forming the separator shaped part 600 by pressing inthe elongated metal plate 100; the trimming step of cutting loose theseparator shaped part 600 from the elongated metal plate 100 by notchingin the same pressing direction as the pressing step the outer peripheralpart 610 of the separator shaped part 600 formed in the elongated metalplate 100; the lifting step of lifting up the elongated metal plate 100from which the separator shaped part 600 was cut loose; and theseparator shaped part conveying step of conveying the cut looseseparator shaped part 600 to the downstream side in the conveyingdirection, in the midst of the elongated metal plate 100 being lifted upin the lifting step. It is thereby possible to provide a manufacturingmethod of fuel cell separators that molds by way of a progressivepressing method that can appropriately execute discharge of theseparator shaped part 600 as the product part, while considering theoccurrence of burrs 199 generated by the punching.

(2) In the manufacturing method for fuel cell separator of (1), theseparator shaped part 600 has the holes 530, 540, and the holes 530, 540and the outer peripheral part 610 of the separator shaped part 600 arepunched in the same punching direction in the pressing step and trimmingstep. It is thereby possible to make the processing work of burrs 199 insubsequent steps easy, while enabling to efficiently manufacture theseparator shaped part 600 in a progressive pressing method.

(3) In the manufacturing method for fuel cell separators of (1) or (2),the separator shaped part 600 has the convex part 198 molded so that theupper side becomes a convex shape in the pressing step. It therebybecomes possible to prevent interference between the burrs 199 generatedby punching of the separator shaped part 600 and other members, uponassembling the convex part 198 of the separator shaped part 600 towardsother members, while enabling the efficient manufacturing of theseparator shaped part 600 in a progressive pressing method.

(4) In the lifting step of the manufacturing method for fuel cellseparators of (1) to (3), the cut loose elongated metal plate 100 islifted up using the hook 73 provided to the upper mold used for cuttingloose the separator shaped part 600 in the trimming step. It is possibleto easily lift up the elongated metal plate 100, by hanging theelongated metal plate 100 from which the separator shaped part 600 hasbeen cut loose, using the hook 73.

(5) The manufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cell separators of thepresent invention is the manufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cellseparators which molds a plurality of separator shaped parts 600 in theelongated metal plate 100 by way of a progressive pressing method, andincludes: the pressing parts 30 to 60 which form the separator shapedparts 600 in the elongated metal plate 100 by way of pressing; thetrimming part 70 which cuts loose the separator shaped parts 600 fromthe elongated metal plate 100 by notching the outer peripheral part 610of the separator shaped part 600 formed in the elongated metal plate 100in the same pressing direction as the pressing direction by the pressingparts 30 to 60; the lifting part 3 which lifts up the elongated metalplate 100 from which the separator shaped parts 600 were cut loose; andthe separator shaped part conveying part 240 which conveys the cut looseseparator shaped parts 600 to the downstream side in the conveyingdirection, in the midst of the elongated metal plate 100 being lifted upby the lifting part 3. It is thereby possible to provide a manufacturingapparatus 1 for fuel cell separators that molds by way of a progressivepressing method that can appropriately execute discharge of theseparator shaped part 600 as the product part, while considering theoccurrence of burrs 199 generated by the punching.

(6) In the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the fuel cell separator of (5),the separator shaped part 600 has the holes 530, 540, and the punchingdirection of the holes 530, 540 by the pressing parts 50, 60 and thepunching direction of the outer peripheral part 610 of the separatorshaped part 600 by the trimming part 70 are the same punching direction.The processing work, etc. of the burrs 199 in a subsequent step therebybecomes easy, while enabling to efficiently manufacture the separatorshaped part 600 in a progressive pressing method.

(7) In the manufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cell separators of (5) or(6), the separator shaped part 600 has the convex part 198 molded sothat the upper side becomes a convex shape by pressing with the pressingparts 30, 40. It thereby becomes possible to prevent interferencebetween the burrs 199 generated by punching of the separator shaped part600 and other members, upon assembling the convex part 198 of theseparator 500 towards other members, while enabling to efficientlymanufacture the separator shaped part 600 in a progressive pressingmethod.

(8) In the manufacturing apparatus 1 for fuel cell separators of (5) to(7), the hook 73 for lifting up the elongated metal plate 400 from whichthe separator shaped part 600 was cut loose is provided to the uppermold 72 of the trimming part 70. It is possible to easily lift up theelongated metal plate 100, by hanging the elongated metal plate 100 fromwhich the separator shaped part 600 has been cut loose, using the hook73.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the following effectsare exerted.

(1) The progressive pressing device 1 of the present embodiment is theprogressive pressing device 1 which forms a plurality of product partsin the elongated metal plate 100, and includes: the pressing parts 4which press the elongated metal plate 100; the conveying part 2 whichconveys the elongated metal plate 100 in the longitudinal directionthereof; the positioning pin 350 which engages with the positioning hole109 provided in the elongated metal plate 100; and the lifting part 3which lifts the elongated metal plate 100 conveyed by the conveying part2, in which the lifting part 3 includes: the lifting plate 320 on whichthe elongated metal plate 100 is placed, and the upper plate 330 whichsandwiches the elongated metal plate 100 with the lifting plate 320; thelifting part 3 is configured to be state variable between the firststate A, second state B and third state C; the first state A is a stateseparating a distance between the lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330so as not to sandwich the elongated metal plate 100 between the liftingplate 320 and upper plate 330, in a state in which the positioning pin350 and positioning hole 109 are not engaged; the second state B is astate separating a distance between the lifting plate 320 and upperplate 330 so as not to sandwich the elongated metal plate 100 betweenthe lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330, in a state in which thepositioning pin 350 and positioning hole 109 are engaged; the thirdstate C is a state shortening a distance between the lifting plate 320and upper plate 330 so as to sandwich the elongated metal plate 100between the lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330, in a state in whichthe positioning pin 350 and positioning hole 109 are engaged; thelifting part 3 is configured so as to transition to the third state Cfrom the first state A after going through the second state B; theconveying part 2 conveys the elongated metal plate 100 when the liftingpart 3 is the first state A, and the pressing part 4 performs pressingof the elongated metal plate 100, when the lifting part 3 is the thirdstate C. It is thereby possible to provide a progressive pressing devicewhich can smoothly and appropriately execute conveying of the elongatedmetal plate 100 and the pressing process on the elongated metal plate100.

(2) The conveying part 2 of the progressive pressing device 1 of (1) hasa feeder 230 which feeds the elongated metal plate 100, in which thefeeder 230 is configured to be state variable, in addition to a feedingstate of feeding the elongated metal plate 100, between a feedpreparation state in which free movement of the elongated metal plate100 is restricted, and a release state in which the elongated metalplate 100 becomes free movement; and the conveying part 2 stopsconveying by the feeder 230, establishing the feeder 230 in a releasestate, and the lifting part enters the second state. It is therebypossible to perform positioning with high precision due to being able toengage the positioning pin 350 and positioning hole 109, without tensionacting on the elongated metal plate 100, in the second state B.

(3) The progressive pressing device 1 of (1) or (2) further includes: atleast two lifting pins 310 having the leading end 311 abutted by theupper plate 330, and the stepped part 312 on which the lifting plate 320is placed; and the first elastic body 313 biasing the lifting pin 310upwards, in which the first state A includes a state in which the upperplate 330 abuts the leading end 311 of the lifting pin 310; the secondstate B includes a state in which the upper plate 330 pushes down thelifting pin 310 against the biasing force of the first elastic body 313,which is a state in which the lifting plate 320 descends whilemaintaining a state placed on the stepped part 312 of the lifting pin310; the third state C includes a state in which the upper plate 330pushes down the lifting pin 310 against the biasing force of the firstelastic body 313, which is a state in which the stepped part 312 of thelifting pin 310 is separated from the lifting plate 320. According tosuch a mechanism, it is possible to provide a progressive pressingmethod which can smoothly and appropriately execute the conveying of theelongated metal plate 100 and the pressing process on the elongatedmetal plate 100.

(4) The progressive pressing device 1 of (3) further includes the secondelastic body 321 biasing the lifting plate 320 upwards, in which thebiasing force upwards of the second elastic body 321 is larger than thebiasing force upwards of the first elastic body 313. It is therebypossible to configure a mechanism of the lifting part 3 that performsappropriate operation.

(5) In the progressive pressing device 1 of (4), the third state C has astate C1 in which the upper plate 330 pushes down the lifting pin 310against only the biasing force of the first elastic body 313, and astate C2 of bottom dead center in which the upper plate 330 pushes downthe lifting pin 310 and lifting plate 320 against the biasing force ofthe first elastic body 313 and the biasing force of the second elasticbody 321, in which the pressing part 4 presses the elongated metal plate100, when entering the state C2 of bottom dead center. Consequently, itis possible to perform the pressing process in a state with very littledeflection of the elongated metal plate 100.

(6) At least two lifting pins 310 of the progressive pressing device 1of (3) to (5) are provided at both sides in the short direction of theelongated metal plate 100. It is thereby possible to perform thepressing process in a state reliably positioning and holding theelongated metal plate 100. Consequently, it is possible to perform thepressing process in a state with very little deflection of the elongatedmetal plate 100.

(7) The lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330 of the progressivepressing device 1 of (1) to (6) is provided so as to traverse the shortdirection of the elongated metal plate 100. It is thereby possible toperform the pressing process in a state reliably positioning and holdingthe elongated metal plate 100. Consequently, it is possible to performthe pressing process in a state with very little deflection of theelongated metal plate 100.

(8) The lifting plate 320 and upper plate 330 of the progressivepressing device 1 of (1) to (6) are formed in a shape such that portionssandwiching the elongated metal plate 100 surround the region 190 whichbecomes the product part of the elongated metal plate 100. It is therebypossible to perform the pressing process in a state reliably positioningand holding the elongated metal plate 100. Consequently, it is possibleto perform the pressing process in a state with very little deflectionof the elongated metal plate 100.

(9) The upper plate 330 of the progressive pressing device 1 of (1) to(8) is integrated with the upper mold of the pressing part 4, or formedintegrally. It is thereby possible to reduce the number of parts. Inaddition, the operating control of the apparatus for linking with theoperation of the pressing parts 4 also becomes easy.

(10) The manufacturing apparatus 1 of the fuel cell separator of thepresent invention includes the progressive pressing device of (1) to(9), in which the region 190 which becomes the production part is aregion which becomes the fuel cell separator 500. Also in the case ofmanufacturing the fuel cell separators 500, it is possible to smoothlyand appropriately execute the conveying of the elongated metal plate 100and pressing process on the elongated metal plate 100.

It should be noted that the present invention is not to be limited tothe above-mentioned embodiments, and that, even if conductingmodifications, improvements or the like within a scope that can achievethe object of the present invention, it will be encompassed by the scopeof the present invention.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 progressive pressing device (manufacturing apparatus for fuel        cell separator)    -   2 conveying part    -   3 lifting part    -   4 pressing part    -   5 control part    -   10 bead and slit molding part (molding part)    -   11 bead molding part    -   15 slit forming part    -   16 first slit forming section    -   17 second slit forming section    -   30 first pressing part (third bead molding part)    -   31 lower mold    -   32 upper mold    -   40 second pressing part    -   41 lower mold    -   42 upper mold    -   50 first piercing part    -   60 second piercing part    -   70 trimming part    -   71 lower mold    -   72 upper mold    -   73 hook part    -   80 scrap cutting part    -   81 lower mold    -   82 upper mold    -   100 elongated metal plate    -   100B portion which becomes scrap    -   101 bead    -   101A first bead    -   101B second bead    -   104 third bead    -   105 slit    -   106 first slit    -   107 second slit    -   108 remainder    -   108A curved part    -   108B first withdrawn part    -   108C intermediate part    -   108D second withdrawn part    -   109 positioning hole    -   190 region which becomes product part    -   191 region which becomes first product part    -   192 region which becomes second product part    -   210 uncoiler    -   220 anti-deflection part    -   221 straightening roller    -   230 feeder    -   231 feed roller    -   240 discharging part (separator shaped part conveying part)    -   250 mobile discharging part    -   260 conveyor    -   310 lifting pin    -   311 leading end    -   312 stepped part    -   313 first elastic body    -   320 lifting plate    -   321 second elastic body    -   322 push-up member    -   330 upper plate    -   350 positioning pin    -   500 separator (fuel cell separator)    -   510 gas flow channel part    -   511 first gas flow channel shape    -   512 second gas flow channel shape    -   520 seal part    -   521 first seal part shape    -   522 second seal part shape    -   530 gas communication hole    -   540 coolant communication hole    -   600 separator shaped part (product part)    -   610 outer peripheral part

What is claimed is:
 1. A progressive pressing device for molding aplurality of product parts in an elongated metal plate, the devicecomprising: a pressing part which presses the elongated metal plate; aconveying part which conveys the elongated metal plate in a longitudinaldirection thereof; a positioning pin which engages with a positioninghole provided in the elongated metal plate; and a lifting part whichlifts the elongated metal plate conveyed by the conveying part, whereinthe lifting part includes: a lifting plate on which the elongated metalplate is place; and an upper plate which sandwiches the elongated metalplate with the lifting plate, wherein the lifting part is configured tobe state variable between a first state, a second state and a thirdstate, wherein the first state is a state separating a distance betweenthe lifting plate and the upper plate so as not to sandwich theelongated metal plate between the lifting plate and the upper plate, ina state in which the position pin and the positioning hole are notengaged; wherein the second state is a state separating a distancebetween the lifting plate and the upper plate so as not to sandwich theelongated metal plate between the lifting plate and the upper plate, ina state in which the position pin and the positioning hole are engaged;wherein the third state is a state shortening a distance between thelifting plate and the upper plate so as to sandwich the elongated metalplate between the lifting plate and the upper plate, in a state in whichthe position pin and the positioning hole are engaged; wherein thelifting part is configured so as to transition from the first state tothe third state after passing through the second state, wherein theconveying part conveys the elongated metal plate when the lifting partis the first state, and wherein the pressing part performs pressing ofthe elongated metal plate, when the lifting part is the third state. 2.The progressive pressing device according to claim 1, wherein theconveying part has a feeder which feeds the elongated metal plate,wherein the feeder is configured to be state variable between a feedpreparation state in which free movement of the elongated metal plate isrestricted, and a release state in which the elongated metal plate hasfree movement, in addition to a feed state for feeding the elongatedmetal plate, and wherein the conveying part stops conveying by thefeeder, and establishes the feeder in a release state and establishesthe lifting part in the second state.
 3. The progressive pressing deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: at least two lifting pinshaving a leading end which is abutted by the upper plate, and a steppedpart on which the lifting plate is placed; and a first elastic bodywhich biases the lifting pin upwards, wherein the first state includes astate in which the upper plate abuts the leading end of the lifting pin,wherein the second state includes a state in which the upper platepushes down the lifting pin against biasing force of the first elasticbody, which is a state in which the lifting plate descends whilemaintaining a state placed on the stepped part of the lifting pin, andwherein the third state includes a state in which the upper plate pushesdown the lifting pin against biasing force of the first elastic body,and the stepped part of the lifting pin is separated from the liftingplate.
 4. The progressive pressing device according to claim 2, furthercomprising: at least two lifting pins having a leading end which isabutted by the upper plate, and a stepped part on which the liftingplate is placed; and a first elastic body which biases the lifting pinupwards, wherein the first state includes a state in which the upperplate abuts the leading end of the lifting pin, wherein the second stateincludes a state in which the upper plate pushes down the lifting pinagainst biasing force of the first elastic body, which is a state inwhich the lifting plate descends while maintaining a state placed on thestepped part of the lifting pin, and wherein the third state includes astate in which the upper plate pushes down the lifting pin againstbiasing force of the first elastic body, and the stepped part of thelifting pin is separated from the lifting plate.
 5. The progressivepressing device according to claim 3, further comprising a secondelastic body which biases the lifting plate upwards, wherein the biasingforce upwards of the second elastic body is larger than the biasingforce upwards of the first elastic body.
 6. The progressive pressingdevice according to claim 4, further comprising a second elastic bodywhich biases the lifting plate upwards, wherein the biasing forceupwards of the second elastic body is larger than the biasing forceupwards of the first elastic body.
 7. The progressive pressing deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the third state has a state in which theupper plate pushes down the lifting pin against only the biasing forceof the first elastic body, and a state of bottom dead center in whichthe upper plate pushes down the lifting pin and the lifting plateagainst the biasing force of the first elastic body and the biasingforce of the second elastic body, and wherein the pressing part pressesthe elongated metal plate when in the state of bottom dead center. 8.The progressive pressing device according to claim 6, wherein the thirdstate has a state in which the upper plate pushes down the lifting pinagainst only the biasing force of the first elastic body, and a state ofbottom dead center in which the upper plate pushes down the lifting pinand the lifting plate against the biasing force of the first elasticbody and the biasing force of the second elastic body, and wherein thepressing part presses the elongated metal plate when in the state ofbottom dead center.
 9. The progressive pressing device according toclaim 3, wherein the at least two lifting pins are provided at bothsides in a short direction of the elongated metal plate.
 10. Theprogressive pressing device according to claim 4, wherein the at leasttwo lifting pins are provided at both sides in a short direction of theelongated metal plate.
 11. The progressive pressing device according toclaim 5, wherein the at least two lifting pins are provided at bothsides in a short direction of the elongated metal plate.
 12. Theprogressive pressing device according to claim 6, wherein the at leasttwo lifting pins are provided at both sides in a short direction of theelongated metal plate.
 13. The progressive pressing device according toclaim 7, wherein the at least two lifting pins are provided at bothsides in a short direction of the elongated metal plate.
 14. Theprogressive pressing device according to claim 8, wherein the at leasttwo lifting pins are provided at both sides in a short direction of theelongated metal plate.
 15. The progressive pressing device according toclaim 1, wherein the lifting plate and the upper plate are provided soas to traverse a short direction of the elongated metal plate.
 16. Theprogressive pressing device according to claim 1, wherein the liftingplate and the upper plate are formed in a shape such that portionssandwiching the elongated metal plate surround a region which becomes aproduct part of the elongated metal plate.
 17. The progressive pressingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the upper plate is integral orformed integrally with an upper mold of the pressing part.
 18. Amanufacturing apparatus for fuel cell separators, comprising theprogressive pressing device according to claim 1, wherein the regionwhich becomes the product part is a region which becomes a fuel cellseparator.